'natural' doesn't mean safe

[watervole]

I'm hoping desperately that a friend's cat will survive. As of her last post, the odds are 50/50.

An accidental overdose of pyrethrin flea spray. It could have happened to anyone.

I only comment here becasue many organic gardeners use pyrethrin (also known as rotenone) in the belief that it is safer than synthetic alternatives. Natural does not mean safe.

Pyrethrin/rotenone isn't. It's toxic to animals and fish as well as insects.

If you're a gardener, think seriously before using this stuff. (I never tough it).

If you're a cat lover, then please send every positive thought you can manage for my friend's cat.

Comments

[melodyclark.livejournal.com]

I swear, more harm has been done to people by the unwitting application of the word "natural".

My best wishes to the kitty. :(

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

I agree, I bet you could still get all the bad effects of smoking even with a nice organic, fair traded tobacco.

[lil-shepherd.livejournal.com]

I seem the recall someone - it may have been John W Campbell - commenting that everything from H-Bombs to cars to vitamin pills are 'natural' as in they weren't put on Earth by a supernatural agency or little Green Men (though the latter would also be natural.) If it is made by man it is natural - because we are natural and so is our tool making ability.

Crosses fingers for your friend's cat. I won't use flea sprays if I can help it - our animals all use vet-prescribed spot-ons.

[kalinda001.livejournal.com]

Sending positive thoughts for poor kittie.

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

My best healing thoughts go to the poor cat.

[kerravonsen]

Sometimes I wish the word "natural" would be banned, and people forced to use the word "unprocessed" instead. (sigh).

Arsenic is "natural" too.

[dumain.com (from livejournal.com)]

Best wishes to the cat.

[sweetheartwhale.livejournal.com]

Im so sorry - poor mog. What's his or her name? We'll be praying for him or her.

[j-lj.livejournal.com]

Best wishes to the poor cat. Hope it gets well soon. We garden organicaly too but would not dream of using any chemicals at all in our garden.